Interior design uses green often as it is the color that surrounds us most when we are outside or with nature. This common familiarity to the color makes it the perfect backdrop or theme to be used inside the home as it stimulates protective energies. It has been said that when asked what someone’s favorite color is green is second in the response; blue has been noted to be the first favorite color. The apparel industry has a superstition in relation to the color green; which is, it brings bad luck to the designers or design house if used and sewed with on the eve of a fashion show.
The history of the word green derives from the Latin word “viridis” which means green or to grow. The word also comes from the Old English words grene or groeni. Circa 700AD the term was recorded as the word for the color term. Lust and love have also been known to represent this color in Medieval times.
Green is not a primary color according to the primary colors however it is considered to be an additive primary color. Green is evoked by light and perception in the subtractive color system. The association with the color is due to its close relation to nature and chlorophyll that gives plants the green color.
Green is a refreshing balance of the cool blue and warm yellow. This has a tranquil and refreshing effect on the emotions.
Environmentalism is represented by the color green and has become the symbol because of its association with nature, health and growth. Sprouting recently in the past ten years has been the environmental “green party” which is in relation to more environmentally friendly products and usage of things. The commonly known phrase to describe a person who is gifted in growing plants is “Green thumb”. Vegetables that are green are known usually having high nutritional value.
The color itself has many meanings, some of which are contradictory to each other. Symbolism meaning: harmony, freshness, fertility, growth, knowledge, safety, medical products, healing, ambition, relaxation, hope, stability, etc. This is a leading reason as to why many hospitals contain green walls. Green also has meaning to the lights in which direct the traffic flow, announcing “to go” when green. However, globally this color is the universal meaning of safety.
Green on the contrary to the positive meanings or symbolism above has been also identified with: jealousy, greed, sickness, cowardice, discord, and jealousy.
The spectrum visible to the human eye has green as the most occupied space, and has been known to enhance or improve one’s vision. Night vision goggles uses the color green as it the eye is most responsive to the color and able to detect variety of shades or hues of green.
The color also is very persuasive in the natural world. Green physically effect has been known to assist in the healing of depression. The Heart Chakra or Anahata is represented by the color green and promotes openness allowing a person to love more, have compassion, and empathize. The traditional color of hunters as it camouflages them into the nature.
Countries and Civilizations Around the World:
Countries and Civilizations have been known for the different meanings that they believe Green represents. The Aztec culture, believed green to be royal. In Ireland it represents the “emerald Isle” and is known for the color especially on St. Patrick’s Day. In Japan, the color represents eternal life. As the color of hope, Portugal considers it to represent the season spring. China considers it to be beauty virtue as it is the color of Jade. Green represents the color of honor when apparel is worn in Scotland. According to Islamist ideology green is the traditional color and presently represents Islam in the flags of: Mauritania, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Many religions connect the color closely to resurrection and regeneration.
There are ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREE countries that have the color Green in their flag.
America’s first president George Washington’s favorite color was actually green. As the tallest living thing known the tree brings relation to Judo as the color green represents the highest belt attained. In auto racing a green flag is waved to start or continuation of a race.
Many brands and companies have used this color as the signature or main theme in their logo. To name a few: Kermit the frog, Heineken, Starbucks, Rolling Rock, John Deere, The Masters Golf Tournament, and Garnier Fructis.
The temperament of green really is significant when using it as the environment of designing the interior in a home.
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